Barron Hardy Harris

Barron Hardy Harris went home to be with his Lord on Monday, December 18, 2023. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024, in the Chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, in Waco, Texas. A reception will follow the service at Magnolia Realty Offices, 7503 Bosque Blvd. Waco, Texas 76712.

Barron was born January 19, 1933, in Houston, Texas to Marvin and Leila Harris. As a teenager, Barron left high school and joined the U.S. Navy, where he served our country. During his service, he received the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal before surrendering to God's call to His service, Barron received a Bachelor of Theology from the American Divinity School in 1953. He graduated from the University of Corpus Christi in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts. Barron continued his education at Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he earned his Master of Divinity, graduating in 1973.

Barron continued his life of faith and service by pastoring 12 churches for nearly 65 plus years, conducting numerous revivals, vacation bible schools, youth camps, marriages, and funerals. Pastor Harris was more than a spiritual guide, He was a pillar of strength, comfort, and wisdom. His quiet demeanor and genuine care made every person he met feel seen, heard, and valued.

When Barron was not caring for others, he and Iris enjoyed watching Baylor basketball, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, hanging out with friends, and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barron also enjoyed fishing, was an excellent woodworker, incredible handyman and enjoyed rebuilding and refurbishing old tractors.

Barron has profoundly impacted many lives, both spiritually and personally. His passion for sharing the gospel and uplifting the community was evident in every sermon he delivered and in every home, and hospital room he visited.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Iris; his parents, Marvin, and Leila Harris; as well as his seven brothers and sisters: Willie Harris, Raymond Harris, Varney Harris, Alice Sanders, Barbara Wright, Jimmy Harris and Baby Boy Harris.

Barron is survived by his son, Paul Harris and wife, Susan; daughter, Melodie Harris McGowan and husband, Scott; and daughter Cindy Harris Gough and Richard Gough. Barron was fondly called "Paw Paw" and had a total of nine grandchildren, who cherished him dearly. Barron’s grandchildren include Clay Harris and wife, Charisse, Heather Whidden and husband, Dustin, Riley Davis, Jeff Ivison and wife, Jaylyn, Kari Ivison and fiancé, Jimmy Albertson, Logan McGowan, Clint Sykora, and wife, Catia, Collin Sykora and wife, Caitlin, and Casie Helleck and husband, Lucas. Additionally, he is survived by sixteen great-grandchildren, Bryley, Tyler, Haidyn, Camden, River, Carter, Remy, Knox, Kora, Nova, Barron, Dawson, Naomi, Judah, Brian, and Conner. Barron will be missed by so many friends, nieces, and nephews; his lifelong friend, Diane Chafin, and the entire Chafin family.

If you wish to honor Barron, donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse organization in his name. Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 countries to care for victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, famine and with all their efforts, they are always proclaiming the Gospel. www.samaritanspurse.org

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Barron’s “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.